Nigeria’s coach admits the team has conceded avoidable goals as the defending champions prepare for a crucial quarter-final against Cameroon.
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has admitted that Nigeria must tighten up defensively if they are to continue their title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The defending champions have been one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides, scoring nine goals across their three Group C matches. However, their defensive record has been a major concern, with Nigeria conceding five goals in the group stage.
That tally is the highest among the teams that have reached the quarter-finals and represents an unusual defensive downturn for a side that has traditionally been difficult to break down.
Madugu admits defensive mistakes are worrying
Nigeria opened their campaign with a shock 3-2 defeat against WAFCON debutants Malawi before responding with a 1-0 victory over Zambia.
The Super Falcons then produced their best attacking performance of the group stage, defeating Egypt 6-2 to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
But even in that emphatic victory, Nigeria conceded twice, reinforcing concerns about lapses at the back.
Madugu acknowledged that some of the goals his team has conceded were avoidable and said the coaching staff must work quickly to correct the problems.
“We have been a team that has been very solid defensively, but of recent we are conceding very unnecessary goals, which is something that is a bit worrisome.”
The coach added that Nigeria must ensure the players remain switched on throughout matches and reduce the mistakes that have led to goals being conceded.
Super Falcons’ attack keeping them in contention
Despite their defensive concerns, Nigeria’s attacking numbers have been impressive.
The Super Falcons scored nine goals in three group matches, including six against Egypt, to finish level on six points with Malawi and Zambia.
Nigeria eventually advanced as Group C runners-up after the three teams were separated by the tournament’s tiebreaking criteria.
That attacking strength will be crucial as the margin for error becomes smaller in the knockout stage.
Unlike the group phase, there is no room for Nigeria to recover from a poor defensive performance in a single-elimination quarter-final.
Cameroon next for Nigeria
The Super Falcons now face Cameroon in the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals on Sunday in Rabat.
The Indomitable Lionesses conceded only two goals during their group-stage campaign, giving Nigeria another stern defensive challenge of their own.
The two sides are also familiar with each other, having traded victories in a two-match friendly series before the tournament. Cameroon won the first meeting before Nigeria responded in the return fixture.
Madugu, however, insists those results will have little bearing on Sunday’s competitive encounter.
Nigeria will need to combine their attacking quality with greater defensive discipline if they are to overcome Cameroon and move into the WAFCON semi-finals.
The stakes are even higher: victory would also secure the Super Falcons’ qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For the defending champions, fixing the defensive leaks is now just as important as maintaining their impressive attacking form.